Protein Cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a healthy dose of protein. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, making them a great post-workout snack, breakfast option, or guilt-free dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Packed with protein powder and other nutrient-rich ingredients.
- Easy to Make: One bowl and simple steps mean you’ll have cookies ready in no time.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors, mix-ins, and protein powder to suit your preferences.
- Healthier Dessert: A better-for-you option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or your favorite flavor)
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Ripe bananas, mashed (or unsweetened applesauce)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Optional mix-ins: Dark chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or shredded coconut
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in oats, protein powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-15 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Option: Use chocolate protein powder and add cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of oats, and sweeten with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol.
- Extra Protein Boost: Add chia seeds, hemp hearts, or Greek yogurt to the dough.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
1. Can I use whey protein powder?
Yes, whey protein works well, but plant-based protein powder can also be used for a vegan option.
2. What can I use instead of bananas?
Unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree are great substitutes.
3. How do I make the cookies chewier?
Add a tablespoon of extra peanut butter or a splash of milk to the dough for more moisture.
4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats and protein powder.
5. Can I skip the sweetener?
If using flavored protein powder or ripe bananas, you can reduce or omit the honey/maple syrup.
6. What’s the best way to measure protein powder?
Use a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy, as scoop sizes can vary between brands.
7. Can I add spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the flavors nicely.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches if needed.
9. Why are my cookies too dry?
This can happen if there’s too much protein powder. Add a splash of milk or reduce the protein powder slightly to fix the texture.
10. Are these cookies good for meal prep?
Yes! They’re perfect for making ahead and grabbing as a quick snack throughout the week.
Conclusion
Protein Cookies are a tasty and wholesome way to enjoy a treat while staying on track with your health goals. Packed with protein and customizable to your taste, they’re perfect for anyone looking to add a nutritious boost to their snacks. Try them today and enjoy a satisfying cookie that fuels your day!
Print
Protein Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Description
These soft and chewy protein cookies are a delicious and nutritious snack. Packed with protein powder, nut butter, and oats, they’re perfect for a post-workout treat or a quick breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (blended into oat flour or left whole)
- 1 scoop (about 1/4 cup) protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats (or oat flour), protein powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between cookies.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will appear slightly underdone but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Use plant-based protein powder and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan version.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more honey or a sugar-free sweetener.